2008 BMW 125i Convertible Review
November 12, 2008 by Alborz Fallah
The Volkswagen EOS has long been my favourite reasonably priced convertible, it’s simply a brilliant car, but there is one annoying feeling that always pops up in the back of my head. Where is that power going, to the front of course?
The BMW 1-series convertible starts at just $52,900 for the 120i manual, which is powered by a 2.0-litre engine putting out 115kW and 200Nm. Not a lot, but for $52,900 for a Beemer convertible, it’s a great start.
Here is the first thing you need to know about the 1-series convertibles, like every other BMW, a 50:50 weight distribution is the aim with a front engine rear-wheel-drive setup. Don’t be fooled by the sporty credentials of other convertibles; in fact simply don’t be fooled by the front-wheel drive myth. Given a short wheelbase a front wheel drive can be sporty, but why sacrifice handling when there are alternatives?
The EOS and the Audi A3 cabriolet, the 1-series’ rivals are both driven through the front wheels. You can argue all you like, but the final outcome is simple, regardless of how you look at it, you’d rather be driving a rear-wheel drive (or all-wheel-drive) than a front wheel drive, especially if handling and dynamics are a requirement.
Here then, is where BMW shines. The 1-series convertible can easily be labelled a practical car for anyone that still feels young at heart. Not only do you get to enjoy the convertible lifestyle but you’re also in charge of a sports car.
The 125i test car sits in the middle of the 1-series range. Despite the 125 badge, it’s actually powered by a 3.0-litre, in-line six-cylinder engine, which puts out a very respectable 160kW and 270Nm. All of that means it will get from 0-100km/h in just 6.9 seconds (manual), and let’s be honest that’s pretty quick. Quick enough to easily beat its German rivals from VW and Audi.
However, it’s not just about straight line speed, it’s about driving dynamics, handling and character. Perhaps the only other convertible within a reasonably similar price range that can compare to the 1-series’ handling finesse, is the Mazda MX-5, but as I am sure you realise, these two cars are worlds apart.
finally a review that isn’t baggin i drive. if you cant use a mobile phone in 2008 go and drive a car with no tech at all.
I don’t know why people call the 1-series a ‘poor man’s 3-series’. A more apt title would be ‘What the 3-series should still be’.
As with all manufacturers, BMW has been infected by bloat. A current 3-series is as big as a late 80s 5-series. For all their sporty intentions, BMW keep making their cars heavier and larger.
Imagine a proper M spec 1 series. It would be an amazing car to drive. Probably at half the price of a M3 too.
I actually like the one series, a friend bought a 135i coupe and I know what the author means about the power, it’s addictive! Although the colour of the car doesnt really work for a convertible. Would look much better in black. I’d take this over an EOS anyday. Time to upgrade out of my A4 soon I think.
Supercojo, the 135i is essentially the “M1″! That engine in a car that compact results in a rocket ship.
Would be great if BMW did a proper M1 with a few more horses, but I suspect that would take sales away from the M3. I would just buy the 135i take it to a tuner and get that extra 40kW that it can so easily achieve.
Not a convertible lover, but this looks the great!
Agree with TorrentGuru the one series isn’t that bad.
Yeah the 135i really is a bargain, and like Top Gears review recently makes you ask is the M3 really worth such an extraordinary amount more.
Great review guys, nice pictures as always ;)
BMW won’t release an ‘M1′ unless it’s their top of range supercar. They won’t use that nameplate on a 1 series.
Like they said though, if you never drove a 135i, the 125i is a lovely car to drive.
i love the 1 sereis coupe i used to hate buut now love the squashed side profile.
The car is ugly as sin.
Just between me and anyone else who reads this blog, there seems to be a disposition to rating all cars rather highly. When you have essentially 20 points to differentiate vehicles, why do you group them all so close together? Its weird, but as though they are not truly being scored dispassionately. The reviews are more reflective of the reviewers attitudes than the stars are. Meh…just a point is all.
I just love 1 series coupe it small and practical, and has everything one needs in a sports car, how any one can say that its ugly they are just blind and jealous
Ugly car, but sweet engine – I think it’s also used in the 325i.
And thank you for the endorsement of I-drive!!
I think BMW should make an M spec and call it the “1M”. You can’t call it the M1 because not matter how good it is, the M1 was a mid engined icon. If they ever replace the M1, it needs to be with a new M1, not a 1 Series. And besides, the M1 can’t be built in mass and cost under $100,000.
I was looking at a 2nd hand Z4 3.0 but this might be a better option. However, the Z4 kills the 125i for looks. Also, I don’t think you would get the same feel as you do in the Z4 where the driving position basically has you sitting on the rear axle.
Totally agree with Supercuo. It really is what the original BMW baby was the 2002, a small sport rear drive. Yep there are some quirky angles.
I presume this had run-flats as per most BMW’s these days. No observations made on the handling as a result. There are apparently a few unhappy bods complaining about ride quality.
Sadly being a large car lover I’d stick with the Z4, if only I had the will to spend sooo much on a highly depreciating car.
Quality, refinement, engineering finesse……….yes I agree, but ugly still goes to the bone.
Something about a silk purse……..
also, my recall of the M1 was virtually nothing more than a Delorean with paint on it and only marginally more successful. Penned by the same man and not really that iconic. Iconic would be psh 911.
I have had a 135i convertible for almost two months now. This thing is incredible. The engine/performance is out of this world but the three standout features are,..
1) Acoustics. With the roof up it feels like a coupe.
2) Body stiffness. No problems. You can drive this thing at your personal limits and not notice a problem.
3) Looks. I was worried that in the photos it looked a little fugly. Absolutely NO problem in the flesh. Particularly impressive with the top down.
Best car buy for me ever.
WVB, of course the M1 was an icon! It wasn’t just a painted Delorean, it was way better looking than that and it was all BMW. An M1 is also a fantastic car to drive still and they are so rare – only 456 ever made. That car was the epitome of BMW and one of the coolest BMWs ever. Not to say the Porsche 911 isn’t an icon though.
Find Cars Online, shut up. Mechanically the car is excellent but until they can hire a decent designer it isn’t a complete car. That requires looks. That is why I could never go past the E92 3 series which is just stunning. Jealous? No, I have an A209 Merc 500 convertible (obsidian black), with some of the most distinctive and sexy lines ever given to a drop top. So clearly I am not blind, nor jealous as I have a faster, more expensive car. Sure its heavy and has a bit of skuttle shake but its not a track car, its ‘the cruiser’, and when its cold the heated seats are bliss.
Add a M Sports Pack for an extra $2000 and the 125i looks awesome!!!!!! :):)
I don’t think there will be an M version of the 1-Series. The 135i is plenty powerful enough, which is half the price of an M3 but certainly not half the car. The 125i offers sufficient performance still, but when it comes to BMWs, more power is almost always better.
The N54 3.0L twin turbo of the 135,335 and 535 already has the goods to make a new compact M car. But to make a 135 up to the full M spec, it would need the full package with racetrack-worthy brakes, suspension and in particular a proper LSD.
But then what to call it? Clearly, it can’t be an M1. What I think BMW should do is when the 1 series update is due in a few years they should rename it the 2 series. Then build an M2. Leave the M1 for the true supercar – if they ever build another that is…….
Owning a 125i convertible I agree the pictures floating around in ciber-space do not do it justice. And while taste is a personal thing, the car does look much better in the flesh.
I have never understood the hype about the badge…a true BMW enthusiast can tell what is under the hood. Obviously using the M1 badge on a 1 series would be a mistake. But to those interested in this review, who cares!
It’s a great premium brand car, in a market segment that until recently was seriously lacking. Good on BMW for taking the plunge.